Folding or telescoping umbrella



(No Model.) 3 Sheets-Sheet 1. G. H. ELY, J. W. DANSER & F. B. RUE. FOLDING OR TELBSOOPING UMBRELLA.

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(No Model.) 3 Sheets- Sheet 2.

O. H. ELY, J. W. DANSER & F. B. RUE. FOLDING 0R TBLESOOPING UMBRELLA.

No. 600,219. Patented Mar. 8,1898.

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(No Model.)

0. H. ELY, J. W. DANSER 8a P. B. RUE.

FOLDING OR TBLESOOPING UMBRELLA. No. 600,219.

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CHARLES II. ELY, OF ORANGE, JAMES WV. DANSER, OF FREEHOLD, AND FRANK B. RUE, OF ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS, NEW JERSEY.

FOLDING OR TELESCOPING UMBRELLA.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 600,219, dated March 8, 1898. Application filed June 23,1897. Serial No. 642,004. (No model.)

T0 (0% whom it may concern-.-

Be it known that we, CHARLES H. ELY, of Orange, in the county of Essex, JAMES W. DANSER, of Freehold, and FRANK B. RUE, of Atlantic Highlands, in the county of Monmouth, State of New Jersey, citizens of the United States, have invented a certain new and useful Improvement in Folding or Telescoping Umbrellas, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to the class of folding or telescoping umbrellas described in Letters Patent No. 456,405, issued to us July 21, 1891; and the object of our present invention is mainly to provide an improved locking device for the telescoping ribs and means for operating such locking device, the various parts being designed and arranged so that the umbrella will look like an ordinary umbrella. In carrying this object of our invention into effect we employ ribs of the paragon type arranged in two sections, the inner section of each rib being arranged to telescope into the outer section, and within the inner section a locking rib or rod is placed which is entirely concealed. The inner ribsections and the locking-rods are hinged to two collars, which are movable toward and away from each other, so that the relative movement of the two collars will produce relative longitudinal movements of the locking rods and inner rib-sections and thereby effect the locking and unlocking of the outer ribsections.

Another object of our invention is to provide an improved form of joint between the sectional staff; and ourinvention further embodies the novel devices and combinations of devices hereinafter more fully described, and pointed out in the claims.

In the accompanying drawings, Figures 1 and 2 are elevations and partial sections of an umbrella, the cover being omitted, showing in section two forms of devices for accomplishing the relative movement of the two collars to which the inner rib-sections and the locking-rods are hinged. Fig. 3 isan enlarged sectional view of the construction shown in Fig. 1 for obtaining the relative movements of the inner ribsections and the locking-rods. Fig. i is a similar view showing the position of the parts shown in Fig. 6.

of the parts when the locking-rods are shifted to release the outer rib-sections. Fig. 5 is an enlarged sectional view of the construction shown in Fig. 2 for obtaining the relative movement of the inner rib-sections and the locking-rods. Fig. 0 is an enlarged elevation of the greater portion of a telescoping rib and showing the locking-rod within the inner ribsection; Fig. 7, a longitudinal sectional View Figs. 8, 9, 1O, 11, and 12 are cross-sections on the lines 8, 9, 10,11, and 12,respectively, of Fig. 6, looking in the direction of the arrows. Fig. 13 is an enlarged longitudinal section of part of the staff, showing the locking-joint and the device for holding the two parts of the staff locked; Fig. 14, an elevation of the lower part of the locking device of Fig. 13. Fig. 15 is a perspective view showing the locking-joint of the two sections of the staff, and Fig. 16 a partial elevation and longitudinal section showing a modification of the arrangements for unlocking the rib-sections.

Referring to the drawings, A, B, and O indicate three separable parts making up the umbrella-staif. The part A or ferrule end is provided with a screw-threaded extension which screws into the upper end of the section B. The abutting ends of the tubular sections B and O are cut away to present two straight edges 7) and c and two lugs b and c, which fit together, as shown in Fig. 2, forming a scarf-joint. Within the tube 0 is a closely-fitting tube or rod 0, which is moved into the tube B against the stop [2 The tube 0 holds the tubes B and C in line and pre vents the separation of the lugs 19 and 0, thus producing a rigid joint between the tubes B and O. The locking-tube O is moved into and out of' locking position by the rod 0 which is secured to the tube 0 in any suitable manner. To the lower end of the rod 0 which is preferably U-shaped in cross-section, is hinged an extension 0 which when the parts of the staff are disjointed is folded over into the rod 0 so that it will not project beyond the end of the tube 0. The extension 0 is of such length that when the parts of the staff are joined together, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, it will strike the bottom of the hole in the handle D and prevent the locking-tube (1 from slipping down while the umbrella is in Thehandle is removably held to the tube 0 by a catch d, which projects into a slot in tube 0. The catch d projects from a pivoted spring-pressed lever 01, the lower end of which is depressed to withdraw the catch 11 and permit the removal of the handle D from the staff.

Referring now to Figs. (i to 12, inclusive,

E and F indicate, respectively, the inner and outer telescoping rib sections. Rib E is smaller in diameter than rib F, which is arranged to slide over rib E in telescoping the umbrella. provided with two perforated ears e, by means of which the rib is hinged to a collar on the staff. The outer end of the rib-section E is provided with a sleeve 6, which encircles the rib-section F and which sleeve has its ends 6 bent inward over the edges of the rib-section E and rigidly secured thereto. The inner end of rib-section F has rigidly secured to it a band f, having two flanges f projecting inwardly over the edges of the rib-section E. The sleeve e and the flanges f hold the ribsections together and serve as the guides or telescoping joint for the two rib-sections, and also serve to prevent the separation of the two rib-sections when the rib is extended, since the band f and the sleeve 6 abut, as shown in Figs. 6 and 7. The band f is provided with a traveler f to which the cover of the umbrella is attached, and thus when the rib-sections are telescoped the cover will be drawn together with the rib-sections. The traveler f is used instead of an eye, so as to give suflicient freedom of movement to the fastening of the cover in order to prevent its stripping from the rib. The band fis also provided with two perforated earsf to which the stretching-rib G is hinged by two arms g. The locking-rod H is placed within the ribsection E and held therein by one or more webs a The inner end of the locking-rod is perforated and passes out between the two cars e of the rib-section E and is hinged to a collar, which will be hereinafter referred to. The outer end of the locking-rod is provided with a head h, which passes through a slot 6 in the rib-section E and through the slot f in the rib-section F and moves in the slot f in the band f. This head is adapted to engage with the rib-section F to lock it in its extended position.

In order to prevent cramping of the ribs and locking-rods where they are pivoted to the collars, the collar H is made larger in diameter than collar E and the ears e extend at a slight angle from the ribs E,, and it will be seen by reference to Fig. 3 that with this construction all cramping, of the parts is avoided.

Figs. 6 and 7 show the relative positions of the rib-sections E and F and the locking-rod H when the umbrella is closed as an ordinary umbrella. It will be noted that there is considerable play between the head it and the The inner end of rib-section E is locking of the rib-sections F.

end of the slot in the rib-section F and the band f. When the umbrella is opened, the locking-rod is caused to move lengthwise within the rib-section E, due to the different centers to which they are pivoted, as will be seen by reference to Fig. 3, and thus when I the umbrella is opened the head h is caused to move to the ends of the slots in the ribs and hold the rib-section F firmly against movement on the rib-section E.

To telescope the rod-sections E and F, the

locking-rib H and rib-section E are moved longitudinally relative to each other, as before stated, so that the inclined edge on the' head h will engage the edge of the rib-section 'E and force the outer end of the locking-rod downward and move the head h within the rib-section E and hence out of the path of rib-section F. To produce relative longitudinal movement of the ribsE and rod H, the collars E and H, to which they are respectively hinged, are made relatively movable toward and away from each other.

In Figs. 1, 3, 4, and 16 we have shown the collar E as stationary and the collar H movable, while in Figs. 2 and 5 the collar H is stationary and the collar E movable.

In Figs. 1, 3, and 4: the collar E is rigidly secured to the staff-section B, and this collar is provided with recesses 00, into which the ears 6 of rib-sections E extend, and as indicates the usual wire for securing the rib-sections to the collar. The collar H is provided with a series of radial arms 00 between which the ends of the locking-rods H extend and to which they are hinged by the wire The screw-threaded end of staff-section A passes through the collar H, and in removing section A the collar H is moved upward, drawing the locking-rods with it, to effect the un- For this purpose the collar H is provided with two pins h, which engage with two shoulders a on the sleeve A-, carried by staff-section A. The

lower end of this sleeve is provided with two curved slots a, at the entrance of which the shoulders 11 are formed. The sleeve A is held upon section Aby a pin 0L2, which enters a groove a The screw-threaded end of section A screws into the collar E, as shown. To put section Ain place, the screw-threaded end is passed through the collar H, with the 'pins h entering the curved slots at, and as the screw-threaded end is screwed into the collar E the annular flange d on the sleeve 1 A strikes the upper end of the collar H and forces it downward against the collar E, at v the same time moving the locking-rods H into locking position. jof section A causes the sleeve A to rotate slightly, due to the engagement of the pins h with the curved slots at, so that when the parts are brought to the position of Figs. 1 1 and 3 the pins h will stand directly over the 1 shoulders 01-. rib-sections, section A is unscrewed, and in The downward movement To efiect the unlocking of the its upward movement shoulders a engage the pins h and move the collar H and lockingrods upward to the position shown in Fig. 4, and when the screw-threaded end of section Ais clear of the collar E a slight rotary move ment of the sleeve A will disengage the shoulders (b from the pins h and section A may be removed from the collar H In telescoping the umbrella of Fig. 1 section A is first removed to effect the unlocking of the rib-sections, as above described, then runner J is disengaged from the catch J, and then by grasping the umbrella near the outer ends of the rib-sections F those ribs are pushed downward, telescoping the ribsections E and F and doubling the cover. As the rib-sections F move downward the ends of the stretching-ribs G, attached to bands f, also move downward. In the telescoped position the bands f strike the shoulders e at the inner ends of the rib-sections E and the runner J is drawn by the stretching-ribs below the lug b on the staff-section B. The handle D is then removed by disengaging the catch (Z, and then the staff-sections B and O are disconnected by pulling the lockingrod C downward by means of the rods 0 0 The hinged rod 0 is then folded within the rod 0 and the whole pushed back into the tube 0. The length of the umbrella when telescoped will be from the collar H to the end of the staff-section B.

Referring now to Figs. 2 and 5, it will be seen that the collar H is rigidly secured to the upper end of the section B and that section A is provided with a screw-threaded end which screws into the collar II. In this form the collar E is movable relative to the collar 11, and instead of the rods H being moved to effect the unlocking of the rib-sections the inner rib-sectious E are moved downward and the outer ends of the rib-sections E at the slots 6 engage the inclined surfaces of the heads hand force them inward out of the path of rib-sections F. To move the collar E as stated, we provide a rod I within the staff-section B, and this rod is secured to the collar E by a pin 2', which works in the slots b formed in the tube B, and about midway on the tube B is a sleeve 1, which is secured to the lower end of the red I by a pin i,which works in slots 12' in the tube B. It will thus be seen that by taking hold of the sleeve 1' and moving it up or down on the tube B the collar E. can be moved in the same direction to shift the rib-sections E. The sleeve 1 is provided with a slot through which the catch J passes for holding the runner J in its elevated position when the umbrella is open, and the flange 2' on the sleeve 1 serves as a stop for limiting the upward movement of the runner J.

In telescoping the umbrella of Fig. 2 it is opened sufficiently to enable the operator to grasp sleeve 1 and pull it downward to effect the unlocking of the rib-sections by moving the rib-sections E relative to the locking-rods H, and then the ribs are telescoped as in the umbrella of Fig. 1. The staff-sections and the handle are then separated, as above stated.

In Fig. 16 the collar E is secured to the staffsection B, as in the construction of Figs. 1, 3, and 4; but the staff-section B extends above the collar, as shown, and upon this end of the staff-section B is sleeved a collar H. The ferrule end A of the staff is provided with a screw-threaded end which screws into the staff-section l3, and the flange a on section A holds the collar H seated against collar E. In this position of collar H the heads h of the locking-rods H are in looking position, and the rib-sections E and F are locked in the extended position. To unlock the rib-sections, ferrule A is screwed upward a short distance, so that the collar ll may be moved vertically on the staff-section B away from collar E. The movement of collar H in this construction is accomplished by moving catch J 2 out of the path of runner J and then forcing the runner along the staff, as in opening the umbrella, or by grasping the tips of the outer rib-sections and pushing them inward. This movement of runner J through the spreadingribs G forces the edges f of the rib-sections F against the heads h of the locking-rods II and shifts the rods II longitudinally in the rib-section E with the same. effect as when shifting the collars E and H relative to each other by the means heretofore describedthat is, the heads'h through their beveled edges are forced out of the path of the rib-sections F, thus unlocking the rib-sections and permitting the telescoping of the rib-sections. The telescoping of the rib-sections through the means just described is facilitated by grasping the ribs at about the middle with one hand to prevent their spreading when the runner .I is moved on the staff. To look the rib sections again, the ferrule is screwed downward to force the collar 11 against collar E, thus shifting the heads h of the locking-rods, so that they will again lock the ribsections when extended. The ferrule A may be screwed home either While the rib-sections are telescoped or when extended. If screwed home while telescoped, the heads h will spring into locking position when the rib-sections F are extended. The construction just described is extremely simple and effective, has fewer parts, and hence does not add much to the weight of the umbrella.

What we claim is 1. The combination in an umbrella, of a set of ribs pivoted to a collar on the staff and each rib having sections adapted to telescope, and locking-rods located within the inner rib-sections for locking the rib-sections when extended, said rods being pivoted to a collar on the staff adjacent to the firstnamed collar, substantially as set forth.

2. The combination in an umbrella, of a set of ribs U shaped in cross-section, each rib being in two telescoping sections, the outer sections being. arranged to slide over the inner sections, and the inner sections being pivoted to a collar on the stafi, and locking-rods within the inner sections and pivoted to a collar on the stafi adjacent to the first-named collar, substantially as set forth.

3. The combination in an umbrella, of a set of ribs U-shaped in cross-section, each rib being in two telescoping sections, the outer sections being arranged to slide over the inner sections, and the inner sections being pivoted to a collar on the staff, and locking-rods within the inner sections and pivoted to a collar on the staff above the first-named collar, sub stantially as set forth.

4. The combination in an umbrella, of a set of pivoted ribs U shaped in cross-section and each rib having. sections adapted to telescope, spreading-ribs connected therewith, lockingrods located within the inner sections of the telescoping ribs forlocking the rib-sections when extended, and means whereby said locking-rods and inner rib-sections are moved relatively to each other to effect the locking and unlocking of the telescoping rib-sections, substantially as set forth. v

5. The combination in an umbrella, of a set of ribs having sections adapted to telescope, locking-rods for lockin g the rib-sections when extended, a pair of collars on the staff to which the ribs and locking-rods are respectively pivoted, one of said collars being stationary and the other movable to permit relative longitudinal movements of the ribs and lockingrods to efiect the locking and unlocking of the outer rib-sections, and means for locking the movable collar when the lockin g-rods are 'in locking position, substantially as set forth.

6. The combination in an umbrella, of a set of ribs having sections adapted to telescope, locking-rods for locking the rib-sections when extended,-apair of collars on the staff to which 4 the ribs and locking-rods are respectively pivoted, one of said collars being stationary and the other movable to permit relative longitudinal movements of the ribs and lockingrods to effect the locking and unlocking of the outer rib-sections, and a movable staffsection for locking the movable collar when the locking-rods are in locking-position, substantially as set forth.

7. In a telescoping umbrella, the combination with telescoping rib-sections, of a lockin g device within each rib and having a head adapted to enter a slot in the outer rib-sec tion to lock it in the extended position, and means whereby all the locking devices are simultaneously operated to unlock the outer rib-sections, substantially as set forth.

8. In a telescoping umbrella, the combination with telescoping rib-sections U-shaped in cross-section and provided with slots which are brought into line when the rib-sections are extended, of a locking-rod located within the inner section of each rib and having a head adapted to enter the slots and lock the outer section in the extended position, and

inner ends of the rib-sections F to hold the same extended, and means whereby said locking-rods and rib-sections E are moved longitudinally relative to each other, to draw the heads on the locking-rods within the rib-sections E and unlock the rib-sections F, substantially as set forth.

10. A sectional rib for telescoping umbrellas, having in combination two telescoping rib-sections, and a locking-rod carried by the inner rib-section, said inner section having two arms by which the rib is adapted to be pivoted to a collar and between which arms the locking-rod extends for connection to another collar adjacent to the first-named collar, substantially as'shown and described.

11. A sectional rib for telescoping umbrellas,.having in combination two telescoping rib-sections U-shaped in cross-section, and a locking-rod held within the inner rib-section, said inner section having two arms by which the rib is adapted to be pivoted to a collar and between which arms the locking-rod extends for connection to another collar above the first-named collar, substantially as shown and described.

12. A sectional rib for telescoping umbrellas, having in combination two telescoping rib-sections U-shaped in cross-section and provided with slots which are brought into line when the rib-sections are extended, and a locking-rod held within the inner rib-section and provided with a head adapted to enter the slots and lock the sections in the extended position, said inner section having two arms by which the rib is adapted to be pivoted to a collar and between which arms the lockingrod extends for connection to another collar, substantially as shown and described.

18. A sectional staff composed of separable tubular sections having scarfed ends provided with interlocking projections to hold the sections against separation by lon gitudinal movement, and a movable rod or tube within the staff adapted to be moved within the joint, to hold the sections against separation by lateral displacement, substantially as set forth.

14. A sectional stafi having in combination separable tubular sections having scarfed ends provided with interlocking projections to hold the sections against separation by longitudinal movement, a rod or tube within one end of a section and having an extension projecting from the other end, whereby said rod or tube is adapted to be moved into the other section to bridge the joint when the scarfed ends are interlocked and hold the sections against separation by lateral displacement, substantially as set forth.

15. The combination in a sectional umbrella-stait, of two tubular sections provided with interlocking projections, a locking-rod within one tubular section adapted to be moved partially into the other section to hold the sections in' line and prevent the unlocking of the projections, a hollow handle for said staff, a catch for holding said handle in place, and an extension of said locking-rod projecting into the handle to prevent movement of the locking-rod While the handle is in place, substantially as set forth.

16. The combination in an umbrella, of a set of pivoted ribs having sections adapted to telescope, a collar on the staff to which the inner rib-sections are pivoted, a locking-rod for each rib held parallel with the inner ribsection, and a collar adjacent to the firstnamed collar to which the locking-rods are pivoted, said rods being capable of longitudinal movement relative to the inner rib-sections in opening and closing the umbrella to compensate for the difference at the pivotal points of the ribs and locking-rods, substantially as set forth.

17. The combination in an umbrella, of a set of pivoted ribs having sections adapted to telescope, a collar on the staff to which the inner rib-sections are pivoted, a locking-rod located Within each of the inner rib-sections, a collar adjacent to the first-named collar to which said locking-rods-are pivoted, and locking-heads at the outer ends of said locking rods adapted to enter slots in the overlapping end of the rib-sections when extended, said slots being of such length as to permit longitudinal movement of the heads therein, in opening and closing the umbrella to compensate for the difference in the pivotal points of the ribs and locking-rods, substantially as set forth.

This specification signed by said CHARLES H. ELY the 5th day of June, 1897, by said JAMES WV. DANSER the 8th day of June, 1897, and by said FRANK B. RUE the 7th day of June, 1897.

CHAS. H. ELY. JAMES WV. DANSER. FRANK B. RUE.

Witnesses to signature of Charles H. Ely:

GEO. F. HANDEL, CHAS. W. MERDINGER.

Witnesses to signature of James W. Danser:

J OHN I. DU 1301s, W. H. GULIoK.

\Vitnesses to signature of Frank 13. Rue:

H. C. VAN NOTE, CHARLES VAN MATER- 

